Portable display case



Oct. 17, 1961 1.. G.'WALL PORTABLE DISPLAY CASE 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March 26. 1958 Lyman 6 0a. 17, 1961 L. G. WALL 3, ,744

PORTABLE DISPLAY CASE Fil ed March 26, 1958 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Innwmlw M mmww I l I I I 0a. 17, 1961 L. G. WALL 3,004,744

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Lyman W4// States This invention relates generally to display cases, and more specifically to an improved portable display case so constructed that it may be erected or collapsed with very little labor.

Although the principles of the present invention may be included in various display cases, a particularly useful application is made in display cases of the light weight portable type, such as may be carried from place to place by the user thereof.

Portable display cases are used in many supermarkets throughout the country. They are usually carried by a salesman in his automobile, who brings them to a supermarket and erects them to prominently display his product to the public. For example, a food salesman will go into a supermarket, obtain permission from the manager to erect his display in a prominent location, carry in one of the displays in a collapsed condition from his car, erect the display, and then add the product.

The present invention contemplates the utilization of a light-weight structure, which is of corrugated board,

which may be set up or erected by a single application of force of low magnitude. To this end, various features have been provided, the details of which are explained thoroughly later herein.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved portable light-weight display case, which is readily erected and collapsed.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a display case consisting of a single unitized assembly.

Many other advantages, features and additional objects of the present invention will become manifest to those versed in the art upon making reference to the detailed description and the accompanying sheets of drawings in which a preferred structural embodiment incorporating the principles of the present invention is shown by way of illustrative example.

. On the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a portable case assembly provided in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

.FIGURE 2 is a planview of a unitary blank from which the structure of FIGURE 1 may be constructed;

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged top view of the structure of FIGURE 1, with the poster shown in FIGURE 1 removed;

FIGURE 4 is a sectional view, partly in elevation taken along line IV-IV of FIGURE 3, with the poster standard in position as shown in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged bottom view of the structure shown in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 6 is a view generally similar to FIGURE 5 but with the case partially collapsed;

FIGURE 7 is a perspective view of a slightly modified.

form of this invention;

FIGURE 8 is a sectional view taken along line VIII- VIII of FIGURE 7, otherwise generally similar to FIG- URE 4;

FIGURE 9 is a plan view of the blank from which the structure of FIGURE 7 is constructed; and

FIGURE 10 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along line XX of FIGURE 5.

1 As shown on the drawings:

7 The principles of this invention are particularly useful when embodied in a portable display case assembly such atent as illustrated in FIGURE 1, generally indicated by the numeral 10. The display case 10 includes a tubular frame 11 which comprises several side, lining, and shelf panels. 7

Referring now also to FIGURE 2, there is shown an integral blank 12, such as of corrugated board, from which the panels are made. Preferably, the blank 12 is a unitary piece of foldable material. However, it is to be understood that two or more pieces of such material may be joined in the fabrication of the instant invention. The blank 12 includes four side panels 13-16, side panels 13 and 15 being end panels, panel 14 being a front panel,- and panel 16 being a rear panel. The panels 13-16 are hinged together along their vertical edges or creases 18, and when jointly disposed in a rectangular form the end panel 13 may be joined to rear panel 16 by a flap 19 as by glueing or stapling. It is to be understood that this joint may be any conventional manufacturers joint. In this embodiment, it will be noted that the front and rear side panels 14 and 16, extend downwardly the full length of the end panels 13 and 15. While this feature is desirable, it will become apparent later herein that such coextensiveness is not essential to operativeness of this invention. However, it is essential that a lower portion of two non-adjacent panels 13-16 be utilized to support case 10.

Another feature which the invention preferably includes is a plurality of lining panels 2326 which are preferably integrally joined at the edges which become the mutual upper edges in the assembled case, such edges being indicated by the crease lines 20. Thus, each of the lining panels 23-26 may be folded along the lines 20 so that the lining panels 23-26 overlie the upper portion of each of the side panels 13-16. In any event, the lining panels are secured and disposed fiatwisely adjacent the inner face of the side panels. When they are integral with the side panels as shown, the upper periphery of the case is provided with a smooth curved edge having twice the thickness of the blank material, and not exposing a raw edge thereof. If desired, the lining panels may be glued or otherwise secured to the inner face at the upper portion of the side panels.

The end lining panels 23 and 25 are each provided with a flap 21 which is interally joined at the crease line 22 to the respective end lining panels 23 and 25. It will be noted that the lengths of the lining panels 23 and 25 are such that the flaps 21 would extend below the lower edge of the end panels 13 and 15. Accordingly, the flaps 21 are folded along the lines 22. Thus, as seen in FIGURE 10, the lining panels 23 and 25 cooperate with the side panels 13 and 15 in the support of the case to thereby increase the resistance to compressive crushing in or near the plane of the side panels 13 and 15, but more especial, ly at the bottom where the flaps 21 and 22 are provided. The assistance in support is further augmented by fastening means described later herein.

Each of the lining panels 24, 26 are provided with a shelf segment 34, 36 respectively, each of the shelf segments being preferably integrally hinged thereto as at the crease linm 27. As best seen in FIGURE 4, the shelf segments 34, 36 are normally horizontally disposed, and the crease 27 is so located that the shelf segments are attached below the upper edges 20, the shelf segments being disposed intermediate the side panels 14 and 16. While the shelf segments 34, 36 may comprise an integral panel, for reasons apparent later herein, it is preferable that they be made in at least two segments as shown. The segments 34, 36 are also referred to herein collectively as a shelf panel, and when so described or claimed, reference is being made to the broader aspects of this invention. It is apparent that a single shelf segment could be utilized, being hinged to one of the verh e-M tical-ly directed panels. Thus as will be more apparent later, since the crease line 27 is not necessary for support of the shelf panel, it is to be understood that in a less preferred embodiment, the shelf panels could be detachableorremovable. At any event, whether the shelf be hinged or be removable, the feature of collapsibility is present in the structure.

Each of the shelf segmentsv 34, 36 is provided with a downwardly directed: flap 44, 46 respectively. The flaps 44 and 46 are preferably integrally hinged to the shelf seg: ment 34,, 36 along the crease lines 28b as best seen in FIGURE- 4, which extend diagonally of the storage compart'ment asshown in FIGURES. The shelf flaps 4d, 46 are thus downwardly directed and disposed in adjacent relation to. each. other.-

It isnow apparent that the'upper'portion ofthevarious vertically directed panels, together with the shelf panel, jointly define arr-upwardly open storage compartment for supporting and. containing the articles to be displayed.

It is to be noted that all of the exterior visible surfacesof the case Iii) lie on the same sideof the blank 12 so that. coloring, decoration, advertising, and the like, may readily be applied to the blank 12 prior to its assembly;

When'theblank'12 has been folded as described along the various crease lines into the configuration shown in FIGURE 1, a support means may be added and secured beneath the shelf panel for supporting it. Preferably, such support means are collapsible and are disposed in termediate the lower portions of the side panels 1316, as well as being totally beneath the shelf panel 34, 36. To'this end, I have provided a pair of sheet like members 28, 29, best seen in FIGURE 5, of elongated rectangular configuration having a width or vertical height corresponding to the distance between the bottom of the shelf panel.3 4-, 36 and the lower edge of the side panels 13-16, as best seen in FIGURE 4. Each of the sheet like members 28, 29 has a pair of vertically extending creases or:

hinges 30; The hinges or creases 30 divide each of the members 28', 29 into. three panel legs. The first or centermost ofthe legs 31 extends horizontally from the front to rearside-panels as shown in FIGURE 5, and is disposed flatwisely against the lower portion of the end lining panas 23' and 25 respectively; The second leg 32 extends beneath one of the shelf segments 34, 36'and is vertically hinged to the. first panelleg. The third panel leg 32is likewise vertically hinged to the first panel leg, but at the otheror opposite end thereof, so that the second and third legs extend at an anglewith respect to each other and with respect to the first panel leg to support the shelf panel. It is to be noted that the shelf segment flaps 44, 46 arejdi'sposed intermedite the second l'egs32. I I'n the assembly of the case, after the above mentioned manufacturers joint has been provided, it is to be under-' stood thatthe first panel legs may be secured as by sta pling or stitching, such attachment means extending through the first panel leg 31, the lining panel 23 or 25 respectively, the lining panel flap 21, and the side pane-1'. 13 or 15 respectively. Such staples are shown in FIG- URE 1 as at 33 and may comprise the sole fastening means for holding the case together, in addition to the manufacturers joint. l

As best seen in FIGURE 4, means may be provided to support a standard 35, which may have a poster 37 thereon; To this end, and in this form of invention, 1' have provided a horizontally hinged tab 38 in the lining panel. 246. The tab 38 is provided with a suitable aperture. 39' which is axially aligned with a second aperture 40 located in the shelf segment 36. The tab 3-8 is here shown to be integral with the lining panel 26 and hinged thereto at a orea-se 41. It is now apparent that after the case has been erected, the standard 3-5 may be removably and slidably received through the apertures 39 and 40, and thus be laterally supported, the door providing vertical support for" the standard as.

With the standard 35 removed, the, case 10 may be collapsed or extended by applying a slight force between the corners 42 shown in FIGURE 3. A slight raising of one of the shelf segments, such as the segment 36, permits the case, including its supporting means, to be collapsed to a generally flat condition in a single motion by the user. Conversely, an oppositely directed force between- .te same points 42' completely erectsthe case 10 for use, gravity aiding the shelf segments tomove to agenerally horizontal position.

When the case is being collapsed, the shelf segment flaps 44, 45 act generally flatwise against each other to cam the shelf segments: 34, 36 in an upward direction, there being no raw edge on either shelf segment which could produce a binding with respect to the other segment.

When the case is in an erect position, the corners 43 seen in FIGURE 2 of the shelf flaps reach nearly to the floor. When the shelf segments are raised by pivoting along the creases 2.7, the corners 43 naturally move upwardly, but the amount of such motion or displacement is. only a few inches, such. displacement being approximately one third the distance between the shelf panel and the floor. Thus, even when the shelf panel has been raised, the. flaps 44', 46 continue to be disposed intermediate the legs 32 of the support means.

When the case is extended from the collapsed position to' an open position, the mutually confronting faces of the legs 32 act on the adjacent faces of the shelf segment flaps 44, 46 to cam them from a halt position to a diagonal position as shown in FIGURE 5, thereby also camming the shelf panel segments into a lowered or horizontal position; Thus the mere opening or closing ofthe frame also effects lowering or raising of the shelf panel.

Referring now to FIGURE 7, there is shown a slightly modified form of the instant invention. Corresponding parts in FIGURE 9 have been given the same reference numeralsas FIGURE 2 with a letter a added thereafter.

It will be noted that the rear side panel 15a is somewhat taller than the front side panel 14a, and therefore the creases 20a intermediate the end panels 13a, 23a and 1521, 25d are diagonally directed. With this arrangement, the smooth double edge is still provided as shown in the FIGURE 1 form; However, the lining panels 23a and 25a do not assist in the support of the case.

a It is also possible tolocatethe standard 35 outside of the compartment. When this is desired, the horizontally hinged aperture tab 38a is disposed in the rear side panel, rather than in" the rear lining panel. A second similar tab is provided there-below in axial alignment therewith, which tab has the aperture Mia} By comparijng FIGURE 8- with FIGURE 4,- the difference in these two locations is readilyapparent;

It is apparent that a display case maybe provided with both types ofstand'ard supporting means so that a stand-' ard may be supported by a given case in either of the two ways illustrated. V

If desired, the embodiment of FIGURE 1 may also be provided with means for dividing the compartment into two sections; While this means hasv been illustrated with the structure. shown in FIGURE 7, it is clear that this feature is part o-fth'e same invention, but has been. separately illustrated forthe purpose of clarity ori11us tration.

Referring to FIGURES 8 and 9, it" can be seen that two ormore panels, inthis instancepanels16d, 26a, 24a, and 34d, have been provided with elongated slots 49 which extend therethrough. into the compartment. It. will be" noted that each of the slots 49 areso arrangedthat all the axes running perpendicularly through the various slots 49 lie in a common plane- I This is best seenin FIGURE 8. Where there are two adjacent panels, such slots 49 may be provided in only one ofthe panels as is the case at the front, or may extend through both of the panels as has been shown at the rear. Thereafter, a divider 50 having tabs 51 which correspondto the'slot locations may be re movably inserted into position as shown in FIGURE 7. Preferably, the divider 50 comprises two identical elements integrally hinged together along a crease or fold along their common upper edge, the two elements being disposed flatwisely against each other. The cross section of such structure is the same as has been illustrated in FIGURES 4 and 8 along the entire periphery of the compartment opening.

- Although various minor modifications might be suggested by those versed in the art, it should be understood that I wish to embody within the scope of the patent warranted hereon all such embodiments as reasonably and properly come within the scope of my contribution to the art I claim as my invention:

1. In a portable display case having four vertically extending side panels mutually hinged together at their vertical edges to define a hollow frame, the lower portion of at least two non-adjacent side panels being adapted to support the case, at least one lining panel secured and disposed flatwisely adjacent the inner face of one of said side panels, a shelf pancl hinged to said lining panel below the upper edge of said one side panel, the upper portions of said side panels coacting with said shelf panel to define an upwardly open storage compartment, and collapsible means disposed intermediate the lower portions of said side panels for supporting said shelf panel from beneath it, the improvement comprising in combination therewith of: a tab horizontally hinged to one of said vertical panels and having a first vertically directed aperture therein; and one of said panels having a second aperture axially aligned beneath said first aperture for removably receiving and horizontally holding a vertically supported vertical standard.

2. A portable display case comprising in combination: four vertically extending imperforate side panels mutually hinged together at their vertical edges to define a closed rectangular frame, the lower portion of at least two non-adjacent side panels being adapted to support the case; a shelf panel collapsibly disposed in a generally horizontal attitude intermediate said side panels below their upper edges, the upper portions of said side panels coacting with said shelf panel to define an upwardly open storage compartment; and aseparate collapsible sheet-like member disposed intermediate the lower portions of said side panels, said member comprising at least two legs, one of said legs being secured flatwise to one of said lower portions, and the other of said legs having a horizontal length substantially equal to the diagonal distance across said frame and being hinged to said one leg along a vertical line for disposing said other leg beneath said shelf panel to support it.

3. A portable display case comprising in combination: four vertically extending side panels mutually hinged together at their vertical edges to define a closed rectangular frame, the lower portion of at least two non-adjacent side panels being adapted to support the case; a shelf panel collapsi bly disposed in a generally horizontal attitude intermediate said side panels below their upper edges, the upper portions of said side panels coacting with said shelf panel to define an upwardly open storage compartment; and a separate collapsible sheet-like member disposed intermediate the lower portions of said side panels, said member comprising three legs, the first of said legs being secured flatwise to one of said lower portions, the second and third of said legs being hinged to opposite ends of said first leg along vertical lines, said second leg having a horizontal length substantially equal to the diagonal distance across said frame, whereby said second and third legs may be selectively disposed at an angle with respect to each other beneath said shelf panel to jointly support it.

4. A portable display case comprising in combination: four vertically extending side panels mutually hinged together at their vertical edges to define a rectangular frame,

saga-74s the lower portion of at-least two non-adjacent side panels. being adapted to support thccase; a plurality of lining' panels respectively secured and disposed flatwisely adjacent the inner faces of a like plurality of said side panels; a pair of shelf segments each hinged to an edge of one of an oppositely disposed pair of said lining panels below the upper edges of said side panels and jointly'defining'a generally horizontal collapsible shelf panel, the upper portions of said side panels coacting with said shelf panelto define an upwardly open storage compartment; a pair of separate collapsible sheet-like members disposed intermediate the lower portions of said side panels, said members each comprising at least two legs, one of said legs being secured fiatwise to one of said lower portions, and the other of said legs having a horizontal length substantially equal to the diagonal distance across said frame and being hingedto said one leg along a vertical line for selectably disposing each of said other legs beneath said shelf segments respectively to support them; and each of said shelf segments having a downwardly extending flapintegrally hinged along an edge thereof and extending be tween said other legs; said other legs and said flaps being so disposed and arranged that when said frame is col lapsed, said flaps act against each other to pivot said shelf segments upwardly, and 'when'said frame is extended, said other legs act against said flaps to pivot said shelf segments toward a horizontal position.

5. A portable display case comprising in combination; four vertically extending side panels mutually hinged together at their vertical edges to define a hollow frame, the lower portion of at least two non-adjacent side panels being adapted to support the case; a plurality of lining panels respectively secured and disposed flatwisely adja-' cent the inner faces of a like plurality of said side panels; a pair of shelf segments each hinged to an edge of one of an oppositely disposed pair of said lining panels below the upper edges of said side panels and jointly defining a generally horizontal collapsible shelf panel, the upper portions of said side panels coacting with said shelf panel to define an upwardly open storage compartment; each of said shelf segments having a downwardly extending flap hinged along an edge thereof which extends diagonally of said compartment, said flaps being thereby so disposed and arranged that when said frame is being collapsed, said flaps act against each other to pivot said shelf segments upwardly; and a pair of separate collapsible means disposed intermediate the lower portions of said side panels for supporting each of said shelf segments from below.

6. A portable display case comprising in combination: four vertically extending side panels mutually hinged together at their vertical edges to define a hollow frame, the lower portion of at least two non-adjacent side panels being adapted to support the case; a plurality of lining panels respectively secured and disposed flatwisely adjacent the inner faces of a like plurality of said side panels; a pair of shelf segments each hinged to an edge of one of an oppositely disposed pair of said lining panels below the upper edges of said side panels and jointly defining a generally horizontal collapsible shelf panel, the upper portions of said side panels coacting with said shelf panel to define an upwardly open storage compartment; separate means disposed intermediate the lower portions of said side panels and secured to at least one of said side panels, said means being adapted to support said shelf segments from below; and means carried by said shelf segments and coacting with said support means to pivotally raise and lower said shelf segments respectively in response to collapse of and to extension of said frame.

7. A portable display case comprising in combination: four vertically extending side panels mutually hinged together at their vertical edges to define a rectangular frame, the lower portion of at least two non-adjacent side panels being adapted to support the case; a lining panel integrally joined at the upper edge of each of said side panels and directed downwardly therefrom flatwisely adjacent to the inner surface thereof; a' pairof shelf-segments each hinged to an edge of one of an oppositely disposed pair of said lining panels below the upperedges ofsaid side panels and jointly defining a generally horiZontalcollapsible' shelf panel, the upper portions of said side panels and said lining panels coacting with said shelf panel to define an upwardly open storage compartment; a tab horizontally hinged to one of said lining and side panels and having a first vertically directed aperture therein; one of said panels having a second aperture axially aligned be neath said first aperture for removably receiving and horizontally holding a vertically supported standard; a separate collapsible sheet-like member disposed intermediate the lower portions of said side panels, said member comprising three legs, the first of said legs being secured fiatwise to one of said lower portions, the second and thirdof said legs being hinged to opposite ends or" said first leg along vertical lines, said second leg having a horizontal length substantially equal to the diagonal distance across said frame, whereby said second and third legs may be selectively disposed at an angle with respect to each other beneath said shelf to jointly support it; and each of said shelf segments having a downwardly extending flap integrally hinged along an edge thereof and extending between said second legs; said second legs and said flaps being so disposed and arranged that when said frame is collapsed, said flaps act against each other 'to pivot said shelf segments upwardly, and when said frame is extended, said second legs act against said flaps to pivot said shelf segments toward a horizontal position.

, 8. A portable display case comprising in combination: four vertically extending side panels mutually hinged together at their vertical edges to define a hollow frame, the lower portion of at least two non-adjacent side panels being adapted to support the case; a pair of lining panels each respectively integrally secured to and disposed flat wisely adjacent a face of one of said two case-supporting side panels, and extending vertically coextensively therewith, and the lower edge of each of said lining panels cooperating with the lower edge of said two case-support ing side panels to jointly support therewith said case and thereby to increase the load-carrying capacity of said side panels at the lower edge thereof; a shelf panel collapsibly disposed in a generally horizontal attitude intermediate said side panels below their upper edges, the upper portions of said side panels coacting with said shelf panel to define an upwardly open storage compartment; the side,

I being adapted to support the case; a pair of lining panels each integrally secured to the upper edge of one of said two case-supporting side panels, and disposed flatwisely adjacent thereto and vertically coextensive therewith for jointly with said lower portions supporting said case, each of said lining panels having a flap integrally joined at the lower edge thereof and directed upwardly therefrom and secured flatwisely adjacent to said lining panel, so that the lower edges of said flaps, said lining panels, and said case-supporting side panels jointly support said case; a shelf panel collapsibly disposed in a generally horizontal attitude intermediate said side panels below their upper edges, the upper portions of said side panels coacting with said shelf panel to define an upwardly open storage compartment; the side, lining, and shelf panels comprising a unitary piece of material; and collapsible means disposed intermediate the lower portions of said side panels for supporting said shelf panel from beneath it.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,021,998 Myers Apr. 2, 1912 1,799,656 Iinsley Apr. 7, 1931 1,806,334 Clark May 19, 1931 1,881,224 Nuckols Oct. 4, 1932 2,012,117 Barron Aug. 20, 1935 2,041,751 Folsom et a1. May 26, 1936 2,043,483 Lynch June 9, 1936 2,053,454 Whiteside ,r Sept. 8, 1936 2,072,193 Wierzbicki Mar. 2, 1937 2,080,105 Bacon May 11, 1937 2,257,536 Roycroft Sept. 30, 1941 2,537,318 Scob1e Jan. 9, 1951 2,609,091 Rothe et a1. Sept. 2, 1952 2,679,371 Meldrum May 25, 1954 2,749,012 Beach June 5, 1956 

